Austin: True Crime Murder Walk & Driskill Hotel Stop

Summary

Step into Austin’s midnight assassin story with drinks history and chills

You’ll follow a local guide through historic Austin on this true crime walking tour, tracing real murder sites along 6th Street and inside the Driskill Hotel lobby. Hear chilling tales of the midnight assassin, see old photos come alive after dark, and pause for drinks at iconic bars. Expect goosebumps—and maybe a new way of seeing Austin after sunset.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to feel so uneasy just walking down West 6th Street in Austin, but something about hearing those old murder stories while the neon buzzed overhead made my skin prickle. Our guide, Sam, had this way of pausing right before the worst details, like he was letting the street itself fill in the gaps. He handed around these grainy old photos of 1885 Austin and suddenly you could almost smell wood smoke and muddy boots instead of barbecue and beer.

We ducked into the Driskill Hotel lobby (it’s all marble floors and velvet chairs now), where Sam pointed out Colonel Driskill’s portrait — his mustache is honestly intimidating. The place feels haunted even without the stories. I tried to order a fancy whiskey at the bar but ended up just sipping water, nerves jangling. There was this weird hush in the air, like everyone else felt it too. I kept thinking about those women who walked these same blocks back then.

After that we wandered through Guy Town and toward Congress Avenue, stopping at Speakeasy Tavern for another round of theories (and drinks if you wanted). Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “Servant Girl Annihilator” in Mandarin — probably butchered it. The pace was easy enough for anyone, with little rests here and there. By the end, I couldn’t shake this feeling that Austin still keeps some secrets tucked away behind all its music and lights. Not sure I’ll ever walk these streets quite the same again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Austin's true crime history

• Tour Driskill Hotel lobby
• View 6th Street historic photos
• Visit Speakeasy Tavern and learn

Top questions

How long is the Austin Murder Walk?

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Does the tour include drinks?

No, drinks are not included but there are stops where you can buy your own.

Is hotel pickup included on this tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at the starting point downtown.

Can children join this true crime walking tour?

The tour is not recommended for ages under 13 due to content.

Which areas of Austin does the tour cover?

The route covers West 6th Street, Guy Town, Warehouse District, Congress Avenue, and includes a stop at Driskill Hotel.

Is there a lot of walking involved?

The walk covers about 2 miles at a leisurely pace with short rests along the way.

Will we go inside any buildings?

You’ll enter the Driskill Hotel lobby (when available) and Speakeasy Tavern during the tour.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this walking tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided storytelling by a professional local expert as you stroll through historic downtown Austin neighborhoods—stopping inside or outside landmarks like the Driskill Hotel lobby (when open) and Speakeasy Tavern—with plenty of chances to rest or grab a drink along the way before finishing up near lively 6th Street.